The Mermaid of Bondi Beach

Gillian Rubinstein is known around the world as a novelist with many distinguished titles to her name. Several of her books have been adapted for the stage, including JAKE AND PETE. Gillian was awarded an Asialink fellowship in 1999, enabling her to continue her long-standing interest in Japan. She has also been writer-in-residence in schools in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, and in 2000 has been invited to International Schools in Tokyo and Jakarta. For Random House Australia, Gillian has been particularly successful with her picture books: MR PLUNKETT’S POOL won the Multicultural Award and SHARON KEEP YOUR HAIR ON was shortlisted for CBC Picture Book of the Year. JAKE AND PETE AND THE STRAY DOGS was shortlisted for the 1997 Festival Awards in South Australia.

Anna Pignataro teaches art to children and exhibits regularly in galleries in Australia and overseas. Her first book, I’m in the Sky and I Can’t Come Back, was joint winner of the Crichton Award (1998); The Staircase Cat was shortlisted for CBCA Picture Book of the Year (1999); Unknown was a CBCA Notable Book (2001) and published in the US. Anna lives in Rosebud, Victoria.